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- Apr 25, 2006
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The ultimate trophy (1)
'... Enoch ... had this testimony, that he pleased God.' Hebrews 11:5
What's your aim in life? Do you want to be famous? Have lots of money? Own a big house? What trophy are you trying to get? And is that all that matters to you? Jesus talks a lot about rewards, but going after the trophy every time can hurt us if we're after it for the wrong reasons. Wanting to achieve something just so you can show off to other people, put another medal in your cabinet to get admiring glances, is the wrong reason.
The medal or trophy isn't the be-all and end-all; it's just a symbol of achievement. What about the process that got you there; all the training and practice? Is that not as important, if not more, than the final result? If you feel like you'll only succeed if you're 'the best' then you're missing out on so much.
In Revelation 4:10-11 (NIV) we see 24 leaders '... lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God ...'. They got it that the crown wasn't what it was all about. Yes, it's great that they got a crown; but more importantly, they gave the glory to God.
Another example is Enoch. In Hebrews 11, we read that he was known for pleasing God. Not for having medals, or coming first in a race; but simply for pleasing God. That's the trophy we should be aiming for in life.
'... Enoch ... had this testimony, that he pleased God.' Hebrews 11:5
What's your aim in life? Do you want to be famous? Have lots of money? Own a big house? What trophy are you trying to get? And is that all that matters to you? Jesus talks a lot about rewards, but going after the trophy every time can hurt us if we're after it for the wrong reasons. Wanting to achieve something just so you can show off to other people, put another medal in your cabinet to get admiring glances, is the wrong reason.
The medal or trophy isn't the be-all and end-all; it's just a symbol of achievement. What about the process that got you there; all the training and practice? Is that not as important, if not more, than the final result? If you feel like you'll only succeed if you're 'the best' then you're missing out on so much.
In Revelation 4:10-11 (NIV) we see 24 leaders '... lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God ...'. They got it that the crown wasn't what it was all about. Yes, it's great that they got a crown; but more importantly, they gave the glory to God.
Another example is Enoch. In Hebrews 11, we read that he was known for pleasing God. Not for having medals, or coming first in a race; but simply for pleasing God. That's the trophy we should be aiming for in life.
